Old Testament

Song of Solomon 2:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the speaker expresses a longing for their beloved to come to them before the day fully arrives and the shadows disappear.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Solomon
Written
Around 960 BC
Genre
Poetry and love song
Original Audience
Lovers and the community of Israel
CBTClear Bible Translation

Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young deer on the mountains of Bether.

KJVKing James Version

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the speaker expresses a longing for their beloved to come to them before the day fully arrives and the shadows disappear. The imagery of a gazelle or young deer suggests grace, beauty, and swiftness. The mountains of Bether may symbolize a place of separation or challenge, emphasizing the desire for closeness despite obstacles. The call to 'turn' indicates a yearning for the beloved to respond and come closer, highlighting the emotional intensity of love. This verse captures the essence of romantic longing, where the speaker wishes for a moment of connection before the day brings new realities. It reflects the beauty of love that is both passionate and tender, inviting the beloved to embrace the joy of their relationship amidst the uncertainties of life.

Key themes

Related topics

desire, separation, creation

How to apply Song of Solomon 2:17 to your life

This verse encourages us to cherish moments of connection with loved ones. Just as the speaker yearns for their beloved, we should actively seek to nurture our relationships, making time for those we care about before life's demands pull us apart.

Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Song of Solomon 2:17 mean?

Song of Solomon 2:17 expresses a deep longing for a beloved to come closer before the day breaks and shadows disappear. The imagery of a gazelle or young deer symbolizes grace and swiftness, highlighting the desire for connection despite obstacles.

What is the significance of the mountains of Bether in Song of Solomon 2:17?

The mountains of Bether in Song of Solomon 2:17 may symbolize a place of separation or challenge. This emphasizes the longing for closeness and the emotional intensity of love, suggesting that even amidst difficulties, the desire for connection remains strong.

What does the phrase 'turn, my beloved' mean in Song of Solomon 2:17?

The phrase 'turn, my beloved' in Song of Solomon 2:17 indicates a yearning for the beloved to respond and come closer. It reflects the speaker's desire for intimacy and connection, urging the beloved to embrace the moment.

How does Song of Solomon 2:17 relate to love and relationships?

Song of Solomon 2:17 captures the essence of romantic longing, emphasizing the importance of cherishing moments of connection. It encourages us to nurture our relationships and make time for loved ones before life's demands create distance.

The Book of Song of Solomon
Book Summary

The Book of Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon 1: Longing for the Beloved

The woman speaks first. She longs for the kisses of the man she loves and says his love is better than wine. She speaks of his name as fragrant perfume and says the virgins love him. She asks him to draw her away so they may run together. She says the king brings her into his chambers, and the daughters of Jerusalem speak of rejoicing and remembering his love more than wine. The woman says she is dark but beautiful, like the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon. She asks the daughters of Jerusalem not to stare at her because the sun has darkened her. She explains that her brothers were angry with her and made her keep the vineyards, but she has not kept her own vineyard.

Premium

Unlock the full Song of Solomon summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Song of Solomon — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 8 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Song of Solomon summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.